First in the Field: A Story of New South Wales

A brisk spring afternoon at Dr Dunham’s school brings a group of boys into a tangled hawthorn hedge, where a curious nest becomes the focus of their restless energy. Through sharp banter and a bruised thumb, the story captures the raw humor and rivalry of colonial youth, hinting at deeper social divides between convict families and the settler class. The vivid descriptions of the bush, the clumsy attempts to capture fledglings, and the boys’ fierce loyalty to their own myths set a lively stage for the world they inhabit.

Beyond the playful cruelty lies a portrait of early New South Wales, where the landscape itself shapes character and community. As the children navigate the harshness of the environment and the weight of their families’ histories, the narrative gently explores themes of belonging, resilience, and the fragile line between innocence and survival. Listeners will find a richly textured glimpse of a bygone era, told with humor, authenticity, and a keen eye for the natural world.